Monthly Archives: November 2012

I wrote this prose sometime between 2001 and 2005, I remember I was inspired by a chain email I received regarding a similar topic.

I think sometimes we need to reflect on the life we want to have and think about the reality of achieving it. I have learnt that sometimes we just have to be satisfied with the good things we already have, know which goals to fight for and pursue, and which ones to let go.

Here it is:

These are times when

moral values are branded old fashioned

friends are becoming extinct

the human soul is being replaced by assets and financial inclination

we have fancy and large houses but crooked and small hearts

morality is seen as an obliteration of liberation.

these are times of

many marriages but few “till death do us part”

successful businesses but broken homes

when we are assiduous to our children’s every physical and material need

but are too blind to see the emotional and spiritual ones

then we say they are spoilt, shallow, and heartless

when we expensively garnish the body but don’t tend to the soul- for which the adornments are free.

these are times when we technologically produce pornography, horror, and crime

yet we anger at societal declination and the lacking charisma of our children

sex has become a culinary dish

rarely another meaning but pleasure- no finding the soul, no sharing the heart

these are times when there is less God, the Supreme Being

but gods, goddesses, and levity

when we seize the moment and live the consequences a lifetime

when we seek liberty without limits

when we say sky’s the limit but do not endeavour to go beyond it- may be our true selves are just behind it.

Like this:

It truly melts my heart when I see people who are disadvantaged or disabled in one way or another fight for something they believe in.

One event in particular, which really caught my undivided attention, was the BBC One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge in support of the Children in Need Charity. Six young people who are also being supported by the charity’s projects, along with one of The One Show’s host, took on a 411 mile journey challenge by alternately riding the rickshaw from Llandudno, Wales to London, England in 8 days. The journey concluded on Friday (Nov. 16) with the team raising just over £1m. For those who are not aware of this charity fundraiser, you can visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008dk4b/features/rickshaw-2012-about to find out more.

I was immensely inspired by Ciaran, who has cerebral palsy. This brilliant 17 year-old kept going despite being fatigued by the task and while battling his own physical challenges. This young man rode the rickshaw with relentless zeal, in a bid to raise money, not only to aid his cause, but so that other young children and teens can benefit from charity projects. That spoke volumes to me and it makes me ask myself: what am I doing or can I do more to help others who are disadvantaged or less able to do things in the way I can?

One woman appeared on the show and raised funds just to have her lovely head of hair shaved. Her hair was also donated to children who may have lost hair due to cancer or other illnesses. Others are undertaking similar individual or group initiatives to raise money for the charity.

I am always of the belief that I can make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small or insignificant it seems. I have learnt that the good you do in life doesn’t have a size label! I have been involved in charity work for some time and realized that it is the passion you have for giving back that serves as both the driving force and the reward- as long as it comes from the heart it will never matter what or how much you do or give. You can make a huge difference with small gestures and it doesn’t have to be made public either! Sometimes we forget to do the little things and instead aim for the big charities, while those closest to us are in need.

What has been reinforced in my mind by these six young people is that sometimes we take for granted the many things, talents, abilities, and, at times, the people we “advantaged or abled population” have around us. These six are starting from “home” by doing something as small as giving moral support to as large as riding the rickshaw for miles.

What are you doing for your family, community, country, and world?

I sure will try to do more, especially at “home.” That morsel can make a difference in someone’s life, even if you don’t think so.

So cheers to the Champions of Charity who keep fighting for the cause of charities, especially those themselves who are disadvantaged or disabled!